A CHEF who has worked with TV cooks and gardeners discovered the healing power of being green-fingered in the Covid pandemic.

Syfur Rahman, from Grays, works at the Holiday Inn as a chef and has been recognised by Monty Don, from BBC’s Gardeners World, and worked with TV chef James Martin.

Now the father-of-two is speaking out about the importance of gardening.

He said: “In the darkness there is always hope.

“I found my hope during the pandemic in gardening and became one of the two million gardeners in the country.

“Gardening has become my passion and people with great passion can make the impossible happen.

“I have helped my community more than I could have ever imagined, by giving some plants to people in need and fundraising for an orphan charity, as well as helping other gardeners setting up theirown little paradise and providing them with seeds and resources.

“I believe that I built my own little paradise that I would like to share with you.

“You can come to visit the ‘Oxygen Factory’ and I would also want to offer tips and advice on how to create your own. Paradise only grows by sharing.”

Complimenting Mr Rahman on his produce Monty Don said: “If my vegetables were as good as that I would be very proud.”

The chef has been hailed as a champion gardener and a kind philanthropist, as as being a busy a father to two boys and a husband.

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, he channelled his passion for food into creating a beautiful and productive garden. He said he’s realised his passion for gardening to pass time and digress from the stress and anxiety.

The BBC broadcast the interview with him, the British Bangladeshi gardener.

Syfur aims to promote help to mitigate climate change, mental health and well-being for all living beings on this planet, for the greater good.

He encourages others to engage with him on social media by offering to share guidance and knowledge on tips on how to acquire gardening skills.

He describes gardening as producing quality foods rather than concentrating on quantity.